You know how sometimes things just all line up and work out perfectly? The stars align and everything falls into place?

Dividing my time between Vic and Tas is actually pretty fun — I get to fly around lots, which is less glamourous than it sounds — but it can be tricky to arrange events around jet-setting. Usually when I spot something cool coming up I’m inevitably in the wrong state at the wrong time.

But not this time!

I’ve been a huge fan of Dearna’s food and photography over on her blog To Her Core for a long while now, and was super excited when I saw she was co-hosting a workshop along with Bec Wiggins of Thirteen Red Shoes (now one of my newfound favourite Instagram accounts).

I was even more excited when I realised I’d actually be in the state at the time. Obviously fate.

The class was nice and intimate — ten budding food stylists/photographers, including myself — and was held in Dearna’s gorgeous, newly renovated West Hobart home. Seriously; the kitchen envy is strong with this one.

After introductions, Dee and Bec led us through some styling and photography tips (both DSLR and phone) and app suggestions, before letting us loose with a wall of equipment to create our own little styled areas. I won’t spoil too much of the workshop content because I strongly believe you should be getting your butt along to the next one, but it was a fun couple of hours with some really cool people, and finished with Dee’s delicious thumbprint cookies. Hnng.

More photos below, and a little extra info after the jump!

If you’re a Hobart-based photography or styling dabbler, this is a perfect way to learn some new skills and meet some like-minded creatives. The girls have designed the class in a way that makes it perfect for beginners; you don’t need a fancy camera to play with, and there are lots of lovely people to ask if you have questions!

If you’re like me and a bit further along with your dabbling it’s still a super fun refresher course, and there are always a few little tips and tricks you haven’t picked up before to learn. It’s also reassuring to find others with the same quirks as you. (I was always so worried about my ghetto-ass white mdf “reflectors” and painted scrap wood backdrops — apparently this is normal! Hooray!)

The next workshop will be held on March 5, 2016, and be sure to check out the website for more information!